The show will add math, science and engineering to its educational lessons by way of singing, dancing, games and experiments

The
children's TV show "Sesame Street" has been notoriously known for its
educational value for youngsters. Researchers have even studied what is called
the "Sesame effect," which suggests that children who watch
"Sesame Street" as a preschooler eventually achieve higher grades in
high school.

Now, "Sesame Street" is looking to broaden the minds of its
little viewers in its 42nd season by adding math, science and engineering to
its educational lessons by way of singing, dancing, games and experiments,
according toABC
News.

"Sesame Street" Executive Producer Carol-Lynn Parente hopes
this season's addition of new educational subjects will help children ages two
and older develop the skills they needto excel at school. The show plans to conduct simple science
experiments, for example, in a way that is fun and easy to understand for
preschoolers.

"It really boils down to a curriculum of asking questions, observing
-- making a hypothesis and testing it out," said Parente.

By handing children these skills at an early age, studies suggest they
are more prepared for school when they get to that point and excel beyond those
who didn't receive those educational tools at a young age.

According to the "Sesame effect" studies, children who
frequently watched "Sesame Street" as a child achieved better marks
in English, science and mathas well as a better grade
point average in school than those who didn't watch the show.

"Sesame Street's" producers say they are addressing an
"urgent need," since data such as the 2009 Program for International
Student Assessment shows that 15-year-old's in the U.S. placed 23rd in math and
30th in science at that time.

"What would I do? I'd shut it down and give the money back to the shareholders." -- Michael Dell, after being asked what to do with Apple Computer in 1997